NBA Secures Dismissal of Suit by Former LA Clippers Owner

March 24, 2016

Skadden has secured the dismissal of former Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling's lawsuit against two Skadden clients: the National Basketball Association and Commissioner Adam Silver. Sterling challenged a fine and lifetime ban — both imposed by the NBA after a recording of him making numerous racially charged comments was released to the media — prohibiting his involvement in the business operations or management of the Clippers. He also challenged the sale of the Clippers to Steve Ballmer, to which Sterling had previously consented. In addition, Sterling sought monetary damages in excess of $1 billion from the NBA and Silver. On March 22, U.S. District Judge Fernando M. Olguin of the Central District of California dismissed all of Sterling's claims, including for alleged violations of the Fifth and 14th amendments of the Constitution and the Sherman Act.